Introducing: Monki Magazine

I'm sure you all know about Monki, the amazing Scandinavian clothing brand that has just hit the UK and I have been swooning over whenever I walk past it in Selfridges.

I don't remember who's blog I read about this on, but Monki actually do a free quarterly magazine you can get delivered to your doorstep - it is actually pretty fantastic!

I love the catalogue where I can lust over clothes and accessories - how amazing are those boots?!

I love the typeface and the layout, how half of it is spooky font to fit into the Halloween theme, and half of it is beautifully shabby and handmade.

There are also some pretty amazing editorials.

And really great interviews.

Also, photos of Halloween treats that make me wish I was throwing and cooking for another Halloween party this year!

Finally, I really loved this spooky accessories editorial - so fun and spooky! I miss playing around with the plastic skeleton in the art department when I was at school on Monday afternoons...

Because I'm totally useless, I can't find the sign up area on their website (but if someone does find it, please let me know so I can edit this post!), but I have found a page where you can read every single issue so far of Monki Magazine, including this one online - HERE!


Have you read Monki magazine yet?

Seasonal Staples: High Street Cashmere Challenge

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely people over at Most Wanted (part of vouchercodes.co.uk) to take part in their high street cashmere challenge - different bloggers try and review  100% cashmere jumpers from different high street stores to see how they hold up to our exacting standards! I'm a big cashmere fan, but find that it is so expensive I usually end up purchasing a cashmere blend so I was really excited to get stuck into this challenge!

I reviewed John Lewis's 100% cashmere v neck jumper, and I chose it in this lovely grey/taupe shade called 'Toast' (£69). I chose to wear it with an almost all black outfit (Primark hat, Whistles Skirt & Alphabet Bag) with some dark blue tights to mix it up a bit. That was my outfit for Britain's Next Top Model Live, but I also tested the jumper with the same skirt, black tights, black handbag and without the hat in a totally more sensible environment - visiting a friend at his workplace in the House of Commons. 

Before I review the actual cashmere, lets take a moment to focus on the actual jumper for a moment. I got a size 10, and the fit is absolutely lovely. Just the right length, and the bits round the sleeves do not stretch out if I roll them up (which I always do). As for the actual cashmere, the quality of this jumper is fantastic. It does not bobble too badly (but even the most expensive cashmere does a little bit), is super soft, warm and does not show up sweat marks like some cheaper blends do. I'd be perfectly happy so buy some more John Lewis cashmere.

You can find some fantastic voucher codes to get money off on the John Lewis page of Voucher Codes , and you can see how other bloggers styled their jumpers on the Most Wanted blog!

Where is your favourite place to buy cashmere on the high street?

Cosmopolitan Magazine Blog Awards 2011

On Wednesday night I headed across London to SoHo to represent Judging Covers in the Cosmo Blog Awards with fellow reviewer Sarah. 

Cosmos at Cosmopolitan. I tasted one of Sarah's and it was rather strong (though apparently they got watered down a bit as the evening progressed) which made me feel not too fussed about my decision not to drink that evening!
 

I got very excited by the fact there was a Benefit makeup area. Even though I know almost all of their products (and own most of them too!) I always cannot help but going over to take a look!  The makeup artist tried Benefit's new illuminator/ highlighter 'Watts Up' on me, it looked okay and I think I'd like to go try it out at a counter where I can check it out in the daylight!

Milly, Anna, Lily & Zoe

Sorry the photo is blurry, but I just had to show you these amazing cupcakes - they also tasted incredible, even if they were a bit sickly and I could only eat half! 

I'm really bad at putting names to faces, but from bloggers I already knew/ people who's blogs I'm a regular reader of in this picture we have  Jazmine, Kristabel, Lyzi & Jen.  I seemed to have missed Carrie and Olivia from the picture as I was squashed in between them!

The event was  sponsored by Stylist Pick, an amazing website I originally heard about on Rose's blog where you fill out a quiz and stylists pick out items that are exactly your style to shop from, and every item is £39.95 from shoes and handbags to jewellery. It was great to have a chat to the girls from the brand and to get to take a look at some of their fantastic collection!

They were way to big for me as they did not have my size, but I tried on these amazing boots - what is it with me and high heeled furry boots?

Anna with her beautifully illustrated 'Best New Beauty Blog' award - she really deserved it and I'm so happy for her! 

Even though Judging Covers did not really get a mention thank you so much to everyone who nominated us! We got some incredible goodie bags at the end of it, so look out for some reviews of some exciting products over on The Glossy Guide!

Lust List: Hobbs NW3

In a moment of procrastination I decided to have a little browse on the NW3 section of the Hobbs website (one of my favourite brands to shop), and I found so much there that would be totally perfect for the Autumn and winter. This is what I'd buy if I had a credit card that I never had to pay off... 

 

Madeley Cardigan: £110, Hills Dress: £110, Downshire Desert Wedge: £159

I first saw this grey dress in the Hobbs store in Knightsbridge one Saturday and I instantly zoned in on it. I love the 3/4 sleeves (I'm always rolling them up) and this thick knit pattern. I'd live in knitted dresses if I could in winter, and I love the way this one has structure and some lovely button detailing on one shoulder. As for the cardigan, who does not want a little bit of sparkle at Christmas (oh God, did I really just say Christmas? In October?! What is wrong with me? Would it be a bad time to admit that I have *maybe* started Christmas shopping?!) and I love how the gold in this is subtle. I really want these wedges too - I love a good shoe boot, and though I'm usually a Kurt Geiger girl I can vouch for the fact that Hobbs shoes are extremely comfortable. 

 

Patchway Shorts: £79, Andy Bag: £159, Heathfield Parker: £179

This coat is another thing I zoned in on the moment I walked into a Hobbs store, this time in Westfield Stratford City. I don't actually own one like it and I love the furry hood trim! And doesn't it look so warm?! Also, doesn't this bag remind you of a Mulberry bag? 

Fowey Skirt: £110, Eton Dress: £110, Crochet Socks: £6

I'm really feeling tweed/ imitation tweed at the moment (probably something to do with the event I went to in the Farlows store the other week...) so this skirt looks absolutely perfect. As does what looks like the ultimate day to night little black dress! 

What is your favourite piece in the current Hobbs NW3 collection at the moment? 

Weekly Love: Week 81

+ I headed over to the Diamonique pop up shop being held by QVC to check out the collection - all of the pieces were beautiful, and Sherin took some amazing photos!

+ Have you checked out my new charity venture, Hugs, Scones & Kisses yet? Please do, and help raise money for Myeloma UK!

+ Lunch in the street food arena of Westfield Stratford City. Last week it was Thai, this week Chinese (Dim Sum)!

+ 10 Popular Blogging Myths Debunked

+ Making a lovely hot bowl of homemade onion soup on a cold day.

+ I would like to live in this apartment please. 

+ Having lunch in the sunshine on Southbank.

+ I need these amazing hand painted shoes in my life...

+ Getting the opportunity to actually act and play around on the stage in The Globe Theatre with my university - such an amazing experience!

+ This London vs. New York Fashion Week info graphic.

+ Getting to meet some of my favourite bloggers at The Only Way Is Blogging event - thanks so much to London Beauty Queen for arranging it!

+ Selin discusses the art of the 'accidental' text. She has also written a brilliant piece on Tumblr's 'Topless Tuesdays'.

+ I love how Coco Rocha's beauty table looks just like your average beauty bloggers!

+ I went to an incredible evening at the country store Farlows on Pall Mall. I'd absolutely appreciate it if you could like my photo on Facebook, so I can have a chance at dressing the window in Farlows on Pall Mall, London - I'd love you forever!

+ The inspiring story behind The Cambridge Satchel Company.

+ There is going to be a Harry Potter room opening in Harrods next week - so excited!

+ Joy's post on Halloween made me laugh so much!

+ Freebies with my purchases at the farmers market. 

+ I can promise you that this it s the most original Boudoir Prive review post you'll ever read. 

+ Last of the season Strawberries.

+ This stencil generator is the definition of awesome - try it out, I swear you'll love it!

+ Have you entered my Shabby Apple jewellery giveaway yet?

+ I discovered a great new site for finding new blogs called Hello Cotton - if you're already on there feel free to add me!

+ Finally, this week on The Glossy Guide: Product Review: Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper & Product Review: FashionistA Custom Palette Review 

What have you been enjoying this week?

Hugs, Scones & Kisses

I don't think any of you noticed, but at the end of August I actually disappeared off to the Isle Of Man for a few days to attend my Grandmothers funeral - it felt better to be doing something normal - I blog practically every day so it made me feel better to just keep going. While I was there, after the funeral I started planning a project in her memory to raise money for Myeloma UK, an incredible charity who offer help and support to people suffering with the disease she died from. 

The project is called 'Hugs, Scones & Kisses' and if you head over there now you'll be able to find out more about the charity and the project itself - I really hope you can get involved!

Introducing: Shabby Apple

Rather than having lots of jewellery I like to have a few, small special pieces in my collection, and after spending quite a bit of time perusing their site I've decided that something from the American website Shabby Apple needs to be added to my little blue box of precious pieces. 

Honey Bee Necklace: $60 (approx. £39), Sterling Silver Cupcake Charm Necklace: $43 (approx. £28),  Sterling Silver Starfish Necklace: $35 (approx. £23)

I love really individual silver pendants that I have not seen anything like elsewhere, and I think tis cute little cupcake fits the bill, as does this great starfish that really reminds me of the seaside.

Go Green Ring: $37.50 (approx. £24), Uma Turquoise Ring: $25 (approx. £16), San Remo Turquoise Ring: $30 (approx. £19)

While I actually actively dislike wearing rings (it is something about how they feel on my fingers), there is nothing to stop me admiring other peoples pretty rings. These three are indeed pretty, and the third one is just so cute and unique!

Key To Wonderland: $52 (approx. £33), Looking Glass Necklace: $68 (approx. £44), Key To My Heart: $52 (approx. £33)

Do you like the final three necklaces I selected? I hope you do because the wonderful people at Shabby Apple are giving one lucky reader a chance to win either one of the key necklaces or the Looking Glass pendant - I really wish I could enter the giveaway myself, really! All you have to do to be able to take your pick is to leave a comment on this post with your selection, 'like' Shabby Apple on Facebook and be a subscriber to this blog via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'! Twitter users can get an extra vote by following both myself and Shabby Apple on Twitter, but remember to leave your Twitter handle in your comment, as well as your email address so I can contact you if you win! However, I am afraid that entry is US only.

This competition will run till Halloween (31st October) - good luck! 

Introducing: The Harrods Christmas Rooms

After our Laudrée date a couple of Saturdays ago, upon heading that I'd never visited them before, Victoria took me up to the Harrods Christmas rooms. In spite of usually being totally anti anything Christmas related before December 1st I felt totally in love with the place it was so magical - I was getting all excited for the festive period and singing along to the Christmas carols that were playing in the background and everything! 

I would totally have one of these instead of a Christmas tree if I could.

I loved how they had a whole  army of London themed tree ornaments. We decided that they were a little bit tacky, bit if you did your whole tree up in  a London theme, it would become tacky in a totally good cool way.

A bit like this really - how amazing is this tree!?

Check out how big this candy cane is, even if it is made only of plastic!

At home my mother and I like to decorate our tree with miniature victorian style children's toys and little golden birds in the branches - wouldn't thee cages make a great accompaniment?

In case you can't read the tiny price placard in the picture, these crackers cost £399 a box - god knows what is in them!

I fell in love with all the beautifully themed table settings - I wish we dressed our table up like this at home - might be a mission for me to achieve this year!

I felt like such a tourist doing it, but I could not help but pose next to this totally adorable giant Harrods teddy. If he did not cost about £1,000 and would be a bit difficult to carry on the London Underground, I'd totally be taking him home with me!

Have you visited the Harrods Christmas Rooms before? They're totally magical, right!?

Introducing: Gogo Phillip

Last week I was contacted by the lovely people at Gogo Philip asking if I'd like some of their jewellery to write about. Now, I'm not much of a jewellery person (as my very small collection reflects!) but recently I've been really trying to change it up a bit, so I was curious as to what I was going to be sent to style.

I got two pieces, this pretty little green wooden heart pendant on a fine gold chain, and this rather lovely and chunky gold link wooden bracelet. 

As I don't really have a set up sorted for outfit photos here at uni yet, I'm afraid you'll have to put up with a grainy webcam shot, but I think you get the general picture of how nice the pieces look on! I especially love the bracelet, it is just the right weight and it is a bit unique and individual - the wood is perfect to incorporate into Autumn looks! 

You can buy Gogo Philip on ASOS, in Topshop Oxford Street and in both of the London Westfield centres, as well as in Gogo Philip's online store. 

Has anyone else purchased anything from Gogo Philip yet? They have some rather nice gold chains I think I might now have my eye on... 

The Only Way Is Blogging

On Saturday I headed over to Mayfair to attend The Only Way Is Blogging, a wonderful beauty blogger meet up arranged by Hayley from London Beauty Queen. It was great to finally meet some of my favourite bloggers, and to get introduced to some new makeup brands too!

Sorry about the quality of some of these photos, I was playing around with flashes and settings all day - the lighting was very funny in the venue, so everyone was having a few problems!

First up was a demonstration from a fantastic new  brand called FashionistA where they used their palettes to demonstrate looks from the Rodate, Mark Fast and Anna Sui shows.  I love the fact that wit FashionistA you buy the palettes and colours separately so you can make up your own with your own choice of eyeshadows, blushes and highlighters.

There was also a makeup demonstration from Vivo, a new bright and colourful line available in Tescos. I also took away a bag full of goodies (the stuff I need for the perfect halloween look in fact), and there will be reviews of both lines to come soon on The Glossy Guide!

How amazing was this piece of body jewellery Lily was wearing? She got it from Topshop!

A very intense discussion about how Lily does her outfit posts.  (Left to right) Lily, Zoe, Kate & Lily.

It was lovely to meet Elodie - we've been reading each others blogs for a while now, and it was lovely to share some banter about life in France.

Elodie also took this photo of me so I could show off my new Asos dress that I've been wearing all the time. I'm wearing Carvella at Kurt Geiger boots. 

Lily and Zoe held a wonderful talk on blog photography, from how to utilise your SLR to taking effective blog photos on your phone. I knew most of it from having studied photography for AS Level, bit it was great to have a refresher. Also, it was brilliant to find out how Lily takes her outfit photos - they always look so clean, clear and fantastic!

It was amazing to also meet Anna, who's blog, Vivianna Does Makeup I absolutely adore on so many levels, if you're not a follower you must go and check it out!

Emma & Kate

Sabrina & Sophie

We ended the day with a wonderful general blogging Q&A with Lily, Kate and Hayley. We talked about everything from PR's, blog names and attitudes to sponsored posts and freebies.


A big thank you to Hayley for arranging such an amazing day, and hopefully she'll be arranging another The Only Way Is Blogging event sometime next year!